Gamely Stakes: Mandella runs 2 in top-level turf event

Multiple graded stakes winner Ruby Nell and Linda’s Gift, both trained by Hall of Famer Richard Mandella, and Grade 1 winner Anisette lead a deep nine-horse field set for Monday’s Grade 1, $300,000 Gamely Stakes at Santa Anita. The Gamely, which is for fillies and mares, is contested at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

Ruby Nell is exiting a front-running victory in the Buena Vista (G2) at a mile on turf March 3 at Santa Anita. Edwin Maldonado was aboard that day and he retains the mount. In Ruby Nell’s only other start this year, she was third in the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G2) Jan. 27 at Gulfstream Park.

A 4-year-old Bolt d’Oro filly, Ruby Nell last year won three stakes including the Autumn Miss (G3) over runner-up Anisette when going a mile on turf at Santa Anita. Her only prior start at 1 1/8 miles came in last year’s Del Mar Oaks (G1) when she set the pace faded to fourth behind winner Anisette.

Owned by Spendthrift Farm, Ruby Nell is 12: 6-2-2 with $491,520 in earnings.

While Ruby Nell stretches out in distance, stablemate Linda’s Gift shortens up while riding a three-race win streak. Most recently, Linda’s Gift won the Santa Ana (G3) at 1 1/4 miles. Her previous wins came going 1 1/2 miles in the Astra Stakes Jan. 21 at Santa Anita and 1 3/8 miles in the Red Carpet (G3) at Del Mar in November.

Linda’s Gift will have regular rider Tiago Pereira in the irons. A 5-year-old Arrogate mare, she is 13: 5-2-2 with $314,936 in earnings for owners Fred Nicotra, John Cronin, Michael A. Mandara, Vincent Varvaro and Anthony DiMarco.

Anisette will be making her 4-year-old debut for trainer Leonard Powell. Most recently, she won the American Oaks (G1) at 1 1/4 miles on turf Dec. 26 at Santa Anita. Also last year, the Awtaad filly won the San Clemente (G2) at Del Mar in addition to the Del Mar Oaks.

Anisette will have regular rider Umberto Rispoli in the irons. Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, she is 9: 5-3-0 with $606,871 in earnings. Her record includes three starts and a win in her native England in 2022.